What’s (almost) not bearable? My stupid iPhone armband. Has no one figured out a better design for these things? The face gets all fogged up, the band scratches my skin if I’m not wearing sleeves, and I’ve washed it but it still has a funk.

I’d say I just have a particularly bad model, but I polled a few other friends/runners, and they dislike theirs, too. I would order a bunch of the tops from Gracie’s Gear, but every time I go to the website there’s only a pre-ordering option. I need a solution now, people!

I’d want the hot pink one, of course. Though the conservative in me would probably go with plain black.

I’d worry about it bouncing around during a run, but the reviews seem to indicate that it stays snug. I’ve been limiting myself to buying only running tights that have a little pocket for my keys, gels, ID, etc., but it’d be awesome to be able to select from all styles. And, of course, the big plus would be no more arm irritation!

Fellow runners, what do you think? A perfect solution or just additional bulk?

Oh man, it is going to be a struggle to make it through today. Portland is exhausting! Between kayaking the Columbia River, drinking all afternoon at a beer festival, hiking up to Angel’s Rest and eating just about everything in the city—not to mention a cramped red-eye flight home—I’m wiped out.

And ready to go back! I really enjoyed the city and having access to all kinds of outdoor activities—plus spectacular ice cream. I can see where some of the Portlandia generalizations come from, but it wasn’t nearly as obnoxious as I thought.

Must do? 1. Eat at one of the many food cart “pods” around the city. 2. Hike. There’s all kinds of trails to explore. 3. Reward yourself for being active on vacation with Salt & Straw ice cream!

Check out all my adventures (and click on any image for a slideshow with commentary):

I’m signing off for the week as I’m Portland, Ore.-bound to visit a dear friend and former roommate. I’ve never been, so if you have suggestions on what I should see/do/eat/explore, please leave them below!

I’m sure I’ll have plenty of pictures to share come Monday, but follow me on Instagram if you’d like to see what I’m up to in real time. Have a great rest of the week!

Not to toot my own horn, but I am very busy. Outside of my 9-to-5, I blog (obvi), freelance, train for the marathon, volunteer with my alumni association, and I just started an accelerated grad class… I’m freaking out a bit. Oh, and I leave for Portland tomorrow.

No big deal.

I think I need this to keep me sane. And smiling.

I’ve always been a big proponent of planners—yes, even with damn-near-constant access to iCal and Google Calendar. Plans are just different when they’re written down, more concrete. Plus, I end up using the planner as a mini filing system for notes, receipts and need-to-be-mailed greeting cards and bills.

I’m a sucker for this sassy planner’s commentary (“Drink champagne on a rooftop!”) and cute stickers. And the inside back pocket and elastic band closure would ensure none of my notes escape!

Disclaimer: “I Want That Wednesdays” are a series of posts that, well frankly, are just of things (decor, fashion, food, etc.) I like. The products featured are never sponsored; they’re simply items I’ve come across that I’m crushing on and that I thought you might enjoy as well. Let me know if you love it/ hate it/ can’t get enough of it.

1. As much as I enjoyed hosting the Garden Party, it could’ve really been something special if I owned my own place—and especially if that place was THIS place. I am totally loving the entertaining possibilities with this fabulous layout (click through for more pics) by one of my favs, Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is for sale, but at $3.2 million it’s a little out of my price range. Well, and it’s in Houston. (Thanks to Tracy for passing along the link!)

2. We’re in full-on sweet corn season here in the Midwest, and I’ve been dying to try out an elotes/Mexican street corn recipe. Anybody have a go-to they’ll share?

3. Speaking of the Midwest, I’m loving Buzzfeed’s 23 Facts All Midwestern Women Know To Be True. No. 21 hit especially close to home this week: “You know that people who hate on lakes just haven’t been properly introduced to your part of the country.” My parents and extended family are vacationing on a lake in Minnesota right now, and I’m very jealous.

4. Have you guys seen that tutorial bouncing around Pinterest about remaking lampshades out of leggings? Mandi over at Vintage Revivals is a genius! Who would have thought there’d be such an easy—and budget-friendly—fix for an ugly thrift store shade? Amazing.

5. I need some polka dots in my life. I’ve been trying to figure out where I can incorporate them into my apartment, and I think maybe I’ve found my answer: In the bedroom! With all the effort I’ve been putting toward the living room revamp, I need to follow Gold and Williams’ advice and give some TLC to my nighttime retreat. New sheets could be a great jumping off point.

“Don’t let your bedroom be the last room you decorate. Even if it is a private space that guests rarely see, it is just too important when it comes to quality of life. This is the place that sets the tone for the beginning and end of each day.”